Homemade apple pie moonshine is a sweet and delicious apple-flavored liquor that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails. When properly stored, apple pie moonshine can remain safe to drink and maintain good flavor for 1-2 years. However, the quality and taste will start to decline after about 6-12 months. Here is a detailed look at how long apple pie moonshine lasts and how to get the most shelf life out of your homemade batch.
What is Apple Pie Moonshine?
Apple pie moonshine is a apple-flavored whisky made by infusing a neutral spirit like vodka or grain alcohol with apple juice, spices, and other flavorings. It’s sometimes called “apple whisky” or “apple pie in a jar.” The name “moonshine” comes from its homemade origins, as apple pie whisky was traditionally an illicitly distilled and unaged whiskey.
To make apple pie moonshine, fresh apple cider or juice is combined with cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, and other apple pie spices. The seasoned juice is then mixed with a high-proof, neutral spirit like vodka or Everclear to extract the flavors. The apple pie infused spirit is then strained, diluted to drinking strength (typically around 30% ABV), and bottled.
Compared to authentic moonshine, the modern apple pie whiskey is legal to make at home and much safer to consume when made properly. The sweet apple and warm pie spice flavors make it perfect for sipping cold in the autumn and winter months.
How is Apple Pie Moonshine Best Enjoyed?
Apple pie moonshine can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or used to make delicious autumn-inspired cocktails. Here are some popular ways to serve apple pie moonshine:
- Neat – Pour a shot or two of apple pie moonshine into a glass to savor it straight or “neat.” This allows you to fully taste the bold apple and spice flavors.
- On the rocks – Serve apple pie moonshine chilled over ice cubes. The ice helps open up the flavors and dilutes the sweetness.
- Fall sangria – For a refreshing autumn punch, mix apple moonshine with red wine, apple cider, sliced oranges, cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.
- Spiked apple cider – Add a shot or two of apple pie moonshine to warm apple cider for an extra boozy and flavorful winter drink.
- Holiday cocktail mixer – Use apple moonshine instead of plain whiskey when making classic cocktails like Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Jack and Cokes.
How Long Does Homemade Apple Pie Moonshine Last?
The shelf life of homemade apple pie moonshine depends largely on the alcohol content and how well it is stored. Here are some general guidelines for how long apple pie moonshine lasts:
- Unopened – 1 to 2 years when properly stored.
- Opened – 3 to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Apple pie moonshine has a relatively short shelf life compared to commercially bottled spirits because it lacks the preservatives found in store-bought liquor. Home infusions also generally have a shorter shelf life than fully aged and distilled spirits.
Factors that Determine Apple Pie Moonshine’s Shelf Life
Here are the main factors that impact how long homemade apple pie moonshine will last:
- Alcohol content – The higher the ABV (alcohol by volume), the longer the shelf life. Aim for at least 30% to 40% ABV. Alcohol content below 20% ABV can spoil quickly.
- Storage method – Refrigeration in an airtight container preserves freshness and slows deterioration.
- Sugar content – The large amounts of added sugar in apple pie shine means it is prone to faster flavor deterioration.
- Freshness of ingredients – Using freshly pressed apple cider minimizes oxidation and staling.
- Filtration – Straining out solids helps apple moonshine last longer before spoiling.
How to Tell If Apple Pie Moonshine Has Gone Bad
Watch for these common signs that indicate your homemade apple pie moonshine may have spoiled and should be discarded:
- Change in color – It will appear darker, more yellow, or tinged brown.
- Cloudy appearance – The liquor looks visibly hazy or opaque.
- Change in aroma – The apple fragrance is diminished. It smells off, sour, or like solvent.
- Off flavors – Tasting flat,oxidized, bitter, or unpleasantly boozy notes.
- Fizzing or bubbling – Bubbles or fizzing indicates fermentation.
- Mold – Check for fuzzy mold spots floating on surface or bottom.
If your apple pie moonshine shows signs of spoilage, it’s safest to toss it out. While alcohol itself doesn’t go “bad,” flavors and compounds created during degradation can cause health issues if consumed.
How to Store Apple Pie Moonshine Properly
Follow these basic storage tips to maximize the shelf life of your homemade apple pie moonshine:
- Use sterilized bottles – Make sure bottles are cleaned thoroughly to avoid contamination.
- Fill bottles to the top – Leave only minimal headspace and seal airtight.
- Store away from light and heat – Keep in a cool, dark place around 55°F to 70°F if possible.
- Refrigerate after opening – Keep opened bottle chilled in fridge to slow oxidation.
- Use fresh ingredients – Avoid using old apple cider or juices nearing their expiration dates.
- Strain out solids – Filter sediment and particles with cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve.
Additionally, you can extend the shelf life by fortifying the apple moonshine to a higher ABV. However, take caution when diluting to drinking strength after storage, as rapid dilution can cause the liquor to cloud or acquire off flavors.
Does Apple Pie Moonshine Ever Go Bad?
Yes, apple pie moonshine can go bad if not stored properly or kept for too long. Signs of spoilage include changes in appearance, aroma, and taste.
The high sugar content makes apple pie moonshine more prone to spoilage and oxidation compared to other spirits. Bacteria, wild yeasts, and molds can also grow over time, especially if solids and sediment are present.
Never consume apple pie moonshine that shows signs of spoilage, as it can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues.
Can Spoiled Apple Pie Moonshine Make You Sick?
Consuming spoiled, rotten, or contaminated apple pie moonshine can cause foodborne illness. The ethanol alcohol itself does not go bad, but compounds created by microbes, oxidation, and chemical degradation of sugars, flavors, and acids can be toxic.
Potential hazards from spoiled apple moonshine include:
- Methanol poisoning – Pectin in apples can convert to toxic methanol during fermentation.
- Foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, etc.
- Mold toxins like mycotoxins.
- Acetaldehyde buildup from oxidation, causing nausea and headache.
Consuming rancid apple pie moonshine can result in symptoms like blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, confusion, and even blindness or death in severe cases.
How to Safely Dispose of Bad Apple Pie Moonshine
If your apple pie moonshine has gone bad, do not simply pour it down the drain where pets or wildlife may consume it. Here are safer disposal methods:
- Pour down toilet and flush away.
- Mix with an absorptive material like cat litter before throwing away.
- Consult your local waste management authorities about liquor disposal.
- Boil down to remove alcohol content and discard remains.
Tips for Making Long Lasting Apple Pie Moonshine
Follow these best practices when making DIY apple pie moonshine to maximize stability and shelf life:
- Use a high proof neutral spirit like 160+ proof vodka or grain alcohol.
- Mix in at least 60% alcohol to finished product.
- Sanitize all equipment thoroughly with Star San or boiling water beforehand.
- Avoid using old, browning apple cider or juice.
- Stir in distilled water instead of tap water to dilute.
- Fine filter with coffee filters or cheesecloth to remove sediment.
- Funnel hot moonshine into sterilized, air-tight bottles leaving minimal headspace.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 days to help flavors blend before drinking.
Batches made with fresh ingredients and a high alcohol content stored properly in sterilized containers should retain quality and taste for at least 1 year when refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get sick from bad moonshine?
Yes, consuming contaminated, spoiled, or improperly made moonshine can make you very sick. Stick to moonshine you know is made safely and discard any batches that seem remotely off.
Can apple pie moonshine be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended. The high water content can cause apple pie moonshine to expand when frozen, breaking the bottle. Freezing can also cause hazing and flavor deterioration over time. Refrigeration is better for preservation.
Does aging improve apple pie moonshine?
Unlike barrel-aged spirits, apple pie moonshine does not improve with age. Its shelf life decreases over time rather than improving. Aging causes the fresh fruit flavors to fade. Drink apple pie moonshine within 6-12 months for best quality.
What’s the best way to store apple pie moonshine long term?
Store apple pie moonshine in sterilized, airtight bottles or mason jars in the refrigerator at 35°F to 40°F. Keep away from light and heat. After opening, re-seal tightly and keep chilled.
Can you make apple pie moonshine without apples?
Technically yes, but apple cider or juice is essential for the classic apple pie flavor. Other fruits like pears, cranberries, or grapes could be substituted. But the apple aromas and taste profile would be very lacking.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, homemade apple pie moonshine can retain peak flavor and aroma for 1-2 years unopened, and around 6 months after opening. While the alcohol itself won’t go bad, over time the quality will degrade as the fresh apple taste fades. For best results, use sanitary practices when brewing, strain sediment, store chilled in airtight containers away from light, and refrigerate after opening. Discard any apple pie moonshine that shows signs of spoilage like changes in color, clarity, smell, or flavor. With some care taken during the preparation and storage process, you can safely store and enjoy your homemade apple pie moonshine for seasons to come!